Asolo Fugitive GTX Review
Our Verdict
Compare to Similar Products
This Product
Asolo Fugitive GTX | |||||
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Awards | Best Overall Hiking Boot | Best for Mountain Climbing | Best Support | Best Bang for the Buck | |
Price | Check Price at Backcountry Compare at 3 sellers | $179.93 at REI Compare at 2 sellers | $268.95 at Backcountry Compare at 2 sellers | $212.82 at Amazon Compare at 3 sellers | Check Price at Backcountry Compare at 3 sellers |
Overall Score | |||||
Star Rating | |||||
Bottom Line | This stiff and supportive boot excels in loose and uneven terrain with excellent traction | This high-top boot is one of the most stable we tested, and with plush cushioning is perfect for big backcountry missions | For hikers venturing off trail into rocky or snowy terrain, this boot offers stability and traction that no other boot does | This flagship hiking boot is our first recommendation for a hiking and backpacking boot, achieving remarkable performance in all terrain types and conditions | This inexpensive boot is super comfortable and is a great all-around option |
Rating Categories | Asolo Fugitive GTX | Hoka Kaha 2 GTX | Scarpa Zodiac Plus GTX | Salomon Quest 4 Gor... | Merrell Moab 3 Mid... |
Comfort (25%) | |||||
Support (25%) | |||||
Traction (15%) | |||||
Water Resistance (15%) | |||||
Weight (10%) | |||||
Durability (10%) | |||||
Specs | Asolo Fugitive GTX | Hoka Kaha 2 GTX | Scarpa Zodiac Plus GTX | Salomon Quest 4 Gor... | Merrell Moab 3 Mid... |
Measured Weight (per pair, size 11) | 3.43 lbs | 2.77 lbs | 2.65 lbs | 3.27 lbs | 2.44 lbs |
Upper | Split-grain leather/nylon | Waterproof nubuck leather | 1.8mm suede perwanger | Leather and nylon | Pigskin leather, mesh |
Width Options | Regular, wide | Regular | Regular | Regular | Regular, wide |
Waterproof Lining | Gore-Tex | Gore-Tex | Gore-Tex | Gore-Tex | Waterproof membrane |
Midsole | DuoAsoflex PU | 2-density CMEVA (rubberized EVA) | PU + 3D EVA-MP | EnergyCell | Super Rebound Compound |
Boot Type | Heavyweight hiker/backpacking boot | Midweight hiker/backpacking boot | Midweight hiker/backpacking boot | Midweight hiker/backpacking boot | Midweight hiker/backpacking boot |
Last Board/Shank | TPU shank | Not specified | BZ last | 4D Chassis | Molded nylon |
Sole | Bi-Density rubber | Vibram Megagrip rubber | Vibram Drumlin / Mont | Contagrip TD | Vibram TC5+ |
Our Analysis and Test Results
This heavy boot definitely tips the scales, but gives lots of support underfoot with a TPU shank, and the stiffness of the leather and Cordura nylon upper protects the foot well from above. It performed especially well in demanding terrain where traction was necessary, but did suffer from comfort issues and a very high weight.
Performance Comparison
Comfort
The Asolo Fugitive fits much more like an old-school hiking boot. It is stiff and boxy, feeling at first more like wearing a cinder block than a boot. This boot does require a break-in period before the leather upper starts to flex with the foot instead of resisting the foot's natural flex. We found it to fit on the wide side, and the uppers are stiff enough that it is difficult to lace them really snugly if you have a narrower foot. The upper ankle cuff is softer and provides a comfortable fit around the ankle.
Support
The Fugitive GTX is an incredibly stiff boot thanks to a TPU shank and a PU midsole. We were able to crush whatever terrain we had underfoot and felt a great deal of foot protection. The ankle collar is relatively soft, however, and allowed for more side to side movement than we would have expected from a boot this tall.
Traction
The Fugitive earns high praise when it comes to traction. The bi-density rubber compound grips well, though there is so much forefoot stiffness in this boot due to the TPU shank that it does not smear on rock slabs as well as more flexible boots. We charged up slopes of never-ending scree, and were happy to have such deep lugs to bite into the loose slope.
Water Resistance
Using Gore-Tex, a well-known waterproof and breathable membrane, the Fugitive GTX held up well in all of our water tests. The leather and Cordura nylon upper shed mud and water easily, and the membrane kept water out both during informal stream crossings and our formal water bucket test. It boasts a flood height of 4.5 inches, with water only beginning to enter the boot at the top of the tongue gusset during deeper submersions.
Weight
The Fugitive is heavy, there is no way around it. Weighing 3.43 pounds per pair in the size 11 that we tested, the weight on the feet is noticeable. Sure this comes with a really beefy midsole, but with so many options available now that are less than three pounds, this boot feels a bit dated.
Durability
We put these Asolo through the wringer, but did not have any issues in terms of durability. The leather and Cordura upper resisted wear even after lots of abuse. There is some exposed stitching connecting the panels of leather and nylon, which may start to fray over longer term use.
Should You Buy the Asolo Fugitive GTX?
The Fugitive is a nice, well-made boot that offers a ton of stability and traction capability. That said, it is heavy and fairly expensive. It is a good boot, but it is not the best value when compared to the many other models we tested.
What Other Hiking Boots Should You Consider?
If you are looking for a durable and supportive high-top boot, the Salomon Quest 4 is way more comfortable, and if you really want to shave some weight and add some comfort, the Hoka Kaha 2 GTX stands out.